Carolina Sweeps Away Weekend, Tops Liberty, 4-3

LYNCHBURG, VA. – The South Carolina equestrian team edged out Liberty on Saturday afternoon, 4-3, in an exhibition at the Liberty University Equestrian Center, sweeping its weekend on the road.
 
The No. 6 Gamecocks (2-3, 1-3 SEC) earned two MOPs on the day, with two freshmen, both competing in their first collegiate meet, taking the awards. Michaela Schrim earned the honor in Horsemanship, while Graycen Hess was honored in Reining.
 
“A win against Liberty was a great way to finish out our trip to Virginia,” head coach Boo Major said. “We competed almost all of our hunter seat squad on this trip and got several western riders in that haven’t competed much, or at all, this season. We challenged everyone on this trip to work hard at competing, cheering, planning, helping and staying focused until we got on the bus (Saturday). For the most part they did just that. Sweet Briar, Lynchburg and Liberty all did an excellent job hosting. We learned a lot about our team as a whole and many individuals that will help us as we continue our ‘on-the-road’ competitions this fall.”
 
In Horsemanship, Sloane Vogt notched a 64.5-64 victory over Megan Brandt on Ava. Schrim won her first-ever collegiate point with a 72.5-71.5 win on Ducky, topping Briana Bass. Riding on Mackie, Madelynne Herlocker and Faith Dantona tied at 72.5-72.5.
 
Winning her first collegiate point, Alice Kass outscored Brooke Boan, 61-53, on Prince. Trinity Hammerschmidt also got a win, defeating Morgan Faber by 20 on Ballerina, 61-41.
 
Both of the Reining rides ended in ties between Carolina and Liberty. First, Farley Wickre and Savanna Graves finished at 70.5 on Dillon. Hess and Rebekah Hilpl each scored a 71.5 on Nikki.
 
In Equitation Over Fences, Kass tied with Faber, 73-73, on Vance.
 
Up next, South Carolina travels to UT Martin for an 11 a.m., meet on Friday, November 2.